SFGate

Bud Dietrich, AIA Radiant heat in the slab typically costs more to install. It will work wonderfully in a basement situation as the concrete slab will be warm, creating a much more comfortable living environment. Usually, you can keep the room temperature lower in a room heated with radiant heat. So the higher initial cost is offset somewhat by lower utility costs.

rbcola Thank you so much Bud for your rapid reponse!
I've heard this from the material sources.....Question for you: my husband and I are in our 60s-70s.....how long before you get a return on the cost difference. I'm 100% on the side of radiant heating. My husband (who needs it more because we're always struggling with what the thermostat is set at. I like cool....he likes warm. I've shared (multi-thermostats in the home and) radiant heat would be ideal because it comes from the floor up.....which is where we ALL ARE.....not the ceiling where other heat goes for the most part. HELP!

Bud Dietrich, AIA The return is based on a number of factors such as utility rates, installation costs, inflation, etc. My sense is that if you base the decision on nothing but dollars and cents, you don't do it. If you base the decision on comfort and quality of life, you do do it.

rbcola I agree with that philosophy. The challenge is you've got 2 people making the decision - because of that I have to decide what I push for. My brother is in construction, small independent contractor. He had installed radiant heat in a renovation project for someone in their bedroom/bathroom area. He's the one that suggested this to me. I researched, met with and put the info in front of my builder and husband. Both leaned toward standard heating and cooling. I'm with you.
Thank you so much. Really appreciate it.

Bud Dietrich, AIA FYI - I've assumed we've talked about hot water radiant heat - not electric mats. The electric is very pricey so I only use in small areas like a bathroom.

rbcola I'm glad you've reminded me!!
You feel comfortable with hot water radiant heat....in a basement floor? I remember although in the distant past - water leakage was a problem for a few folks early on in the introduction of this technology. But, it's been improved and the issues haven't surfaced as much if at all for quite some time is what I'm remembering. Thank you again!